Cosmetic acupuncture is a wonderful timeless beauty technique used by the Chinese since Sung Dynasty (960-1279AD). Cosmetic acupuncture was performed on the Empress. Today, it is an effective natural and non-surgical yet painless way to lessen the appearance of fine lines as well as deeper wrinkles. According to Chinese medicine, it improves circulation and stimulates the body’s anti-aging powers.

The International Journal of Clinical Acupuncture reported in a recent study of 300 people, 270 perceived a marked decrease of facial wrinkles after just one treatment. Their skin felt firmer to the touch and elasticity was improved.

Advantage of acupuncture is its ability to strengthen the immune system of which our skin is an essential part. It helps stimulate the body's natural processes of cell reproduction and growth. Inserting needles in key areas of the face can affect the production and dispersal of collagen and elastin. Collagen helps skin stay durable and resilient; elastin maintains its elasticity. Excess sun exposure and aging reduce the body's ability to produce both collagen and elastin.

Treatments begin with a consultation to determine the overall condition of your skin, any medical preconditions that may exist and what your goals are in skin care. Thereafter, a therapist would place you on a massage table. When you are perfectly relaxed, the therapist would insert tiny acupuncture needles into specific areas of the face, ears, neck, hands, feet and legs to include the whole body. Once all the needles are in place, you'll be asked to remain in your relaxed position for 20 to 30 minutes.

A complete course of treatment is 10 to 12 sessions, 1 to 3 sessions a week. The measure of improvement depends on the individual. Factors such as diet, exercise and lifestyle also contribute to the effectiveness of the treatments. Noticeable results are usually achieved after 6 to 8 sessions. A session takes about 90 minutes. Following the initial course of treatment, maintenance sessions can prolong the results for five to ten years.